These lesions are a type of acne that develop when the pores of the skin become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum and their extraction is very trendy on social media. Is it healthy to delete them yourself? Here we solve it.
These are the two concepts that we usually use when talking about acne-related skin damage; but it’s not just the bad names, but there are also other lacerations that we usually incorporate into these categories.
What are they and how to treat them? In Práctico we spoke with three experts who explained it to us.
Classification:
Despite the fact that sebum is a fundamental element for the skin, with functions such as lubricating it and contributing to its elasticity, its excess can generate a problem beyond aesthetics: unpleasant lesions that can also leave sequelae. and can even affect the safety of those who suffer from it. .
The most common injuries are comedones, which can be open or closed. The open comedo -or blackhead- is a mixture of fat and dead cells that “clogs” the pore: “Its color is due to melanin and oxidation”, explains the aesthetic dermatologist of Clínica Alemana, Dr. Lorna Velásquez (@lornavelasquez dermatologist) . María Olga Estrada, director of the cosmetic clinic of the same name (@clinicamoe), refers to closed comedones: “They are closed pores that contain the same sebaceous secretion, without oxidation”, that is, they retain their whitish color, since the sebum is encapsulated without having contact with the air.

But in addition to blackheads, you can find papules, pustules, nodules and even pseudo cysts, all inflammatory lesions. Dr. Velásquez clarifies: “Papules are protuberances on the skin with a lot of erythema (skin congestion due to an influx of blood), pustules have purulent contents.” María Olga adds: “The nodules are solid, palpable and the cysts are liquid.”

Despite the fact that these lesions occur most often on oily and acne-prone skin, they can also appear on other skin types, particularly in the case of open comedones, but, in fact, “they appear most often on very dehydrated oily skin covered with dead skin. cells,” confirms Estrada.
Prevention
To prevent what we commonly call pimples and blackheads, it is essential to maintain a daily routine that at least considers cleansing and moisturizing, as well as sunscreen during the day. Each step must be carried out with the products adapted to each type of skin; that in the case of that which tends to enlarge, they must be of light texture, without oils or alcohol, handled gently and carefully.
It should also be considered that hormonal, genetic, psychosomatic (such as stress), dietary (such as the consumption of dairy products or refined sugar), climatic (such as hot and humid environments) and/or certain allergic factors can contribute to the appearance of these ugly wounds.
It is essential to avoid the temptation to touch them: “It is not advisable to squeeze them, because the flowing pus can contaminate the skin attached to the area with bacteria,” says María Olga. “They should not be manipulated, as this only aggravates the adverse effects and sequelae they may have,” explains Dr. Velásquez, adding: “Sequelae may be erythematous (pink) lesions, pigmented lesions (spots) and/or atrophic (depression) scarring lesions”.
Performing facial cleansing on a regular basis is strongly recommended both to avoid the appearance of lesions and when they already exist: “A professional facial cleansing is very useful in these cases, especially at the beginning of topical treatments, so the skin is clear and the principles work. better. In addition, it helps eliminate dead cells and excess sebum,” says Velásquez.
Lorna Velásquez and María Olga Estrada emphasize the importance of consulting a specialist when starting a treatment and choosing the products to use, because – in addition to the use of topical products defined by a professional – in more serious cases , medication may be required.
Advice:
Mary Barreto, cosmetologist at Skin Up Aesthetic Clinic (@skinupclinicaestetica), shares the following tips to prevent lesions from appearing:
1. Cleanse the skin morning and evening with suitable products.
2. Treat with products that renew the skin, but do not irritate; such as serums with salicylic acid or glycolic acid, among others. It is also advisable to perform mechanical exfoliation with granules twice a week.
3. Add an anti-inflammatory product to the routine.
4. When moisturizing, use products that are light and oil free.
5. Dietary supplements like Glisodin can also help.
Recommended products:
Uriage Hyséac Cleansing Gel
Cleans and removes excess oil without drying out.

Sebamed Clear Face Gentle Scrub
Exfoliates and cleans the pores of oily skin, fights impurities and eliminates dead cells.

Murad Clarifying Water Gel
Oil-free gel that softens, balances and hydrates the skin.

Avene Comedomed Cleanser
Drying product that reduces and dries up localized imperfections.

Isdin Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50
Water-based, ultra-light and oil-free sunscreen. It melts into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Food supplement Glisodin
Activates the body’s internal antioxidant defense system helping to hydrate the skin, treat fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes, rosacea and acne, and protect against free radicals.

Source: Latercera

I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.